Trash exhausting incinerator for vehicles



F 17, 1970 J. J. BALDINI:

TRASH EXHAUSTING INCINERATOR Foa VEHICLES K2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2, 1968 Joseph J. Ba/dn'e IN VEN TOR.

Feb. 17, 1970 J. J. BALDINE TRASH EXHAUSTING INCINERATOR FOR VEHICLES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 2, 1968 Joseph .L Bald/ne INVENTOR.

United States Patent O 3,495,557 TRASH EXHAUSTING INCINERATOR FOR VEHICLES Joseph J. Baldine, 25 Grandview Ave., Hubbard, Ohio 44425 Filed July 2, 1968, Ser. No. 742,039 Int. Cl. F23g 7/00, B60h 1/00 U.S. Cl. 110-18 9 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to incinerating devices and more particularly to a refuse incinerator for vehicles.

The prior art includes several forms of vehicle incinerators which include a burning chamber into which refuse is deposited, and a forced air Ventilating system which causes continuous expulsion of burned refuse. These devices generally permit the expulsion of incompletely combusted material so that sparks are nally emitted from an exhaust pipe connected to the incinerator. As will be appreciated, such a device is dangerous to use and presents a hazard to occupants of the vehicle utilizing the incinerator as well as structures and persons in the immediate vicinity thereof. Further, incomplete combustion of these devices and the ejection thereof into the atmosphere presents a pollution problem which cannot be tolerated under existing state laws. An additional disadvantage of the prior art resides in the fact that incineration occurs in a continuous manner and it is diicult for themotorist to determine when refuse has been burned and exhausted. As a result, the refuse igniting means, which is generally an electrical heating coil, remains burning for an unnecessarily long period of time causing needless power consumption.

The present invention includes an impeller disposed within an ash collecting chamber of an incinerating device. This impeller is electrically connected to a thermal sensing switch which causes sequentially varying impeller speeds during a combustion process so that refuse may be drawn into the incinerator while the impeller operates at a rst speed followed by a second impeller speedfor accomplishing complete refuse combustion. When the thermal sensing means detects a preset temperature, the impeller is switched to a third operating speed to cause expulsion of the residue. This cycle of operation is terminated by automatically de-energizing a motor driving the impeller and the electrical igniter Accordingly, the present invention offers an incinerator which substantially completely burns refuse deposited therein thereby resultf ing in safe incinerator operation and a minimum of pollution resulting therefrom.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details ofl construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the disposition of the present incinerator device in an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a perspective View illustrating an ashtray type receptacle into which refuse is deposited.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through section line 3 3 of FIG. 2 and exposing the interior components of the incinerator device.

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional View taken along a plane passing through section line 4 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along a plane passing through section line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along a plane passing through section line 6-6 of FIG. 3 illustrating the disposition of `an impeller blade within the incinerator device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram i-llustrating the electrical control components for operating the present incinerator v device.

Referring specilically to the drawings, and more particularly FIG. l, the present incinerator device is general' ly referred to by reference numeral 10 and is seen to basically include a first receptacle 12 and an auxiliary receptacle 14, remotely situated from the first-mentioned receptacle and connected in parallel therewith to an incinerator housing 16. The housing communicates with an exhaust pipe 1-8 which extends rearwardly of the automobile along the frame thereof for outward termination rearwardly of the automobile in a manner similar to a conventional exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe 18 is suitably fastened to the automobile along an intermediate length thereof by means of a clamp member 20, additional support being rendered at the terminal end thereof by a similar clamp member 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates the external appearance of receptacle 12 which is preferably in the form of a conventional vehicle ashtray.

FIG. 3 reveals the interior components of the incinerator device which includes a bowl member 22 and an aperture 23 in the base therein which constitutes receptacle 12 in conjunction with the aforementioned ashtray opening. A T-connector fitting 24 is coaxially disposed in spaced relation from the bowl member 22 and in communication with aperture 23. The T-connector 24 includes a second inlet pipe section 28 which is connected to a detachable pipe section 26. The pipe section 26 is connected at the opposite end thereof to the auxiliary receptacle 14 as shown in FIG. l. The T-connector 24 includes an outlet end oppositely disposed from the end communicating with the receptacle 12. The second end is suitably aixed to the top wall 30 of the incinerator cylindrical housin-g 16. A cylindrical wall 32 is disposed concentrically within housing 16 with an outer diameter less than that of the housing so that an annular space is created therebetween. Slits or vent holes 31 are formed in the top wall so that air may be conducted into the annular space from the atmosphere. The inner cylindrical wall extends downwardly from the top wall to a dimension approximately equal to two thirds the height of the cylindrical housing 16.

A transversely situated plate member 34 is suitably fastened to the lower end of the inner cylindrical wall and defines a grate. This plate member includes an upwardly turned annular flange portion 36 positioned radially inwardly of the inner wall, the outer edge portion of the grate plate includes a downwardly turned annular ange portion 38 which is suitably fastened to the inner surface of the housing. The plate member 34 includes peripherally spaced holes or apertures 40 therein for providing the flow of air from the atmosphere, through the annular space between the walls for nal disposition through the holes 40. It is noted that this air ow is utilized to retain the incinerator in a cool state as well as to introduce fresh air into the incinerator where it is mixed with hot air and burning substances, thus causing near complete combustion and virtually eliminating smoke and any fire or sparks from being discharged from the incinerator. From an inspection of FIG. 4, it is noted that the portion of the grate plate member which is radially inward of the inner wall comprises a plurality of parallel spaced rods 41 which extend from the inner surface of the inner wall 32 to the upturned flange portion 36. A circular grate 42 is concentrically disposed inwardly of the upturned ange portion 36 and is mounted upon an elongated rod 46 which is supported within diametrically aligned apertures formed -within the outer and inner walls as well as the upturned fiange portion 36 of the grated plate member. The outward end of rod 46 includes a handle portion 47 shown in FIG. l, this handle being accessible to a seated motorist. The inward end of rod 46 is retained within the upturned flange portion 36 by means of a suitable fastener such as a C-clip 49. Thus, the circular grate 42 which usually assumes a transverse or blocking position within the interior chamber defined by the inner wall 32 may be rotated by means of the actuating handle 47 to a nonoccluding or longitudinal position for purposes to become apparent hereinafter.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, the inner wall 32 defines a radially inward fire or incinerator chamber which is bounded at the top by top wall 30 of housing 16 and bounded below by grates 34 and 42. A second chamber is defined below these grates and is characterized by the radially outward surface of housing 16. The lower or bottom boundary of this second chamber is defined by the bottom wall 48 of housing 16. This chamber serves as a chamber for collecting ashes produced from the burning of refuse in the above situated fire chamber. The center of the lower housing wall includes an aperture 52 formed therein. A shaft of an impeller 54 passes outwardly through this aperture and terminates at the opposite end thereof in a motor 56. The disposition of the impeller is clearly seen in FIG. 6 and specifically includes two radially opposing blade members. As will be appreciated, more than two such blade members may be employed.

As seen in FIG. 6, an exhaust port 58 is formed in the" housing wall laterally adjacent the impeller 54. FIG. 3 illustrates in phantom the aligned position of the exhaust port in relation to the motor and the ash collecting chamber. In FIG. 3, the exhaust port is shown in phantom because it in fact is formed in a housing wall portion which has been cut away to expose the interior of the incinerator device.

In order to facilitate assembly and maintenance of the incinerator components, the bottom wall 48 of the housing is separable from the remaining housing body but retained in closing relation therewith by means of peripherally spaced screws S which threadably engage the outer wall of the housing and a radially inward confronting upwardly turned flange portion of the lower wall 48. The motor 56 which causes rotation of impeller 54 is concentrically mounted upon the outer surface of lower wall 48.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exhaust port 58 communicates directly with a first pipe section 60, permanently fastened to the outer housing wall and around said exhaust port. A second pipe section 18 previously mentioned and shown in more detail in FIG. l is connected to the first pipe section 60 for conveying the residue from the incinerator to a rearward point under the vehicle for final expulsion into the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional thermal sensing switch 62 is fastened to the housing 16 and extends inwardly through an aperture formed in the housing in a manner permitting contact of the inward switch portion with wall 32 of the fire chamber. Actuation of this switch occurs at predetermined fire chamber temperatures as hereinafter explained. The outward end of the switch accommodates a two conductor wire 64 to be connected in a circuit with motor 56 for purposes to be explained hereinafter.

An elongated rod-like electric heater 66 passes radially inward through the housing wall and the inner wall 32 defining the lire chamber. The inward end portion includes a helical heating coil 68 fabricated from Nichrome wire or the like. The outer end of the heater rod includes a terminal 70 thereon for permitting the attachment of a suitable power lead 72 thereto.

Attention is invited to FIG. 7 which schematically illustrates one of many possible circuits for controlling an operation cycle of the present system. A momentary start switch 76 permits actuation of a holding relay assembly 78 which in turn causes high speed operation of blower motor 56 through timer switch 82 which draws refuse from the receptacle into the fire chamber. After a predetermined time interval, timer switch 82 is switched t0 cause low speed blower operation, and simultaneous energization of electric heating coil 68 which ignites the refuse contained in the fire chamber. As the temperature in the chamber rises, a point is reached at which the thermal switch 62 changes state and completes a reset circuit 84 for cutting out relay assembly 78. Thermal switch 62 also completes a circuit path for causing high speed operation of the blower and continued energization of heater coil 68. High speed blower operation forces a relatively high volume of air through the fire chamber for encouraging substantially complete combustion. Further, high speed blower operation causes the blower impeller to pulverize residue material within the collecting chamber and produces a residue carrying air current from the radially inward portion of the collecting chamber to and through the exhaust port 58 by means of centrifugal blower action.

After final expulsion of the ash material from the incinerator device, the temperature within the fire chamber continues to cool in absence of combustion heat generated therein so that a temperature is reached and detected by thermal sensing switch 62 which causes the actuation thereof to its initial condition. This actuation in turn causes de-energization and reset of the entire electrical network to a stand-by mode so that a future cycle of op eration may be repeated.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An incinerator device comprising a re chamber having a feed intake port, an ash collecting chamber communicating with said fire chamber, grate means separating said chambers, centrifugal blower means disposed in said collecting chamber for drawing refuse into said fire chamber, means for igniting the refuse, an exhaust port formed in said housing and communicating with said collecting chamber, said blower means further causing pulverization of collected ashes and forcing ejection of said pulverized ashes through said exhaust port.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 together with thermal sensing switch means for sensing the temperature in said re chamber, said switch means being electrically connected to said blower means for causing said blower means to operate at a speed sufficient to eject said ashes into said exhaust port after substantially complete incineration has occurred.

3. An incinerator device comprising a housing enclosing a fire chamber having a refuse intake, a cylindrical ash collecting chamber communicating with said fire chamber, grate means separating said chambers, an aperture formed in said housing oppositely disposed from said intake, a motor mounted to said housing and extending outwardly therefrom, an impeller coaxially disposed in said collecting chamber for drawing refuse into said chamber, means extending through said aperture and connecting said motor and said impeller, an exhaust port formed in said housing and communicating with said collecting chamber in lateral spaced relation from said impeller, and electric heating means for igniting refuse deposited in said lire chamber, said impeller further causing pulverization of collected ashes and forcing ejection of said pulverized ashes through said exhaust port.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said grate means include a grate plate axially disposed between said chambers, means pivotally mounting said plate in a normally transverse position across said lire chamber, and means for rotating said plate to a longitudinal position to force noncombustible refuse from said plate surface into said collecting chamber,

S. The structure set forth in claim 3 together with thermal sensing switch means for sensing the temperature in said fire chamber, said switch means being electrically connected to said blower means for causing said blower means to operate at a speed suflicient to eject said ashes into said exhaust port after substantially complete incineration has occurred.

6. The structure set forth in claim 3 together with a first refuse receptacle mounted in axial spaced relation to said fire chamber, said first receptacle having an outlet communicating with said refuse intake.

7. The structure set forth in claim 6 together with connector means connected between said rst receptacle outlet and said re chamber intake, at least one auxiliary receptacle remote from the rst receptacle, and means connecting said auxiliary receptacle to said lire chamber in parallel with said lirst receptacle,

8. The apparatus described in claim 3 wherein said lire chamber is enclosed by a cylindrical wall concentrically disposed inwardly of said housing thereby forming an annular space therebetween, first Vent means communicating with said annular space for introducing air therein, and second vent means connecting said annular space and said re chamber to cause air conduction from said annular space to said tire chamber.

9. The structure claimed in claim 5 together with electrical means connected to said motor means for causing said impeller to operate at a first speed to draw refuse from said receptacle to said lire chamber, said electrical means further causing energization of said heating means and simultaneous operation of said impeller at a lowered speed after a predetermined period of time for enabling combustion of the refuse, said electrical means being further connected to said thermal sensing switch to cause operation of said impeller at a higher speed for substantially completing combustion and expelling residue material through said exhaust port, said electrical means subsequently dce-energizing said motor and said heating means in response to a predetermined cooling temperature in said lire chamber,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,763,760 9/1956 Buckle 110-18 XR 2,800,864 7/1957 Ward 110-18 3,202,118 8/1965 Baldine 1l0-18 KENNETH W. SPRAGUE, Primary Examiner 

